Page 156 of The Throne Seeker

Extremely well.

It was eerie how accurately she moved. She sensed everything, from the buzzing insects darting to the other riders around her. It felt so familiar that she almost believed she was living out a scene from a past life.

Her sleipnir increased its speed as she discovered her rhythm, overtaking the riders who had been ahead.

They were just about to emerge from the woods when a massive fallen tree trunk blocked their path. At the same time, a large branch swung down, ready to smash them flat.

She quickly ducked as her sleipnir jumped through the narrow opening like an airborne arrow, barely escaping before the branch and tree trunk collided with a loud crunch. A blink later, they had shot out the other side victorious.

Her body slumped against the sleipnir, by the grace of the sky and sea gods she was still in one piece.

Back on the open track, her sleipnir sped up, pushing to cover as much distance as possible before reaching the river.

After she got the hand of it, riding felt… exhilarating, really—like they were untouchable.

But her confidence disappeared as the sound of the river reached her ears.

As they rounded the bend, a jolt of danger shot through her senses.

She hadn’t the slightest idea where the instinct came from, but it was strong—so strong that it took over her body. She leaned sharply to the right as her hand flung itself into the air, snatching an arrow meant for her head.

She only had a moment to process what she’d done, staring in awe at the arrow. She turned back to see Halmar had somehow managed to acquire a bow and arrow. He shot her a furious glare, angry that he had missed his target.

Where did he get those?she asked, clenching her jaw.

Probably paid someone to hide them in the woods,thesleipnir huffed.

Halmar nocked another arrow, posing to strike again.

Not this time, prick.

Without thinking, she tossed the arrow up to aim it, caught it again, and instinctively hurled it back at him. She didn’t expect it to reach him, but to her amazement, it struck him just where she intended. His shoulder jerked back, the unexpected force almost knocking him off his sleipnir. The shock made him drop the bow with a grunt.

Rose was certain he’d be forced to slow, but hell-bent, he yanked the arrow from his shoulder, tossing it aside like it was nothing. His livid expression turned malicious, the action only intensifying his resolve to kill her. At least now, he’d have to figure out a different way.

She redirected her focus to the track ahead. The river was visible now, its white-capped waves rushing with the speed of rapids and spanning double the width of the ravine.

Doubt bubbled up again.

Remember what I told you,the sleipnir reminded her.Trust your instincts.

Rose forced her body to relax, brushing the insecurities aside. She focused on the cool breeze on her skin, the hint of mist, and the sleipnir’s powerful muscles shifting beneath her. She held her breath as they met the water, closing her eyes to brace herself, waiting to sink into the water’s depths.

But it never came.

Because somehow, to her complete and utter shock—the sleipnir was running on water.

At first, she was sure it was her imagination, her mind coping with the fear. But as the moments passed, reality sunk in, and the sleipnir’s hooves kept defying gravity as they galloped.

She couldn’t contain the smile that burst on her lips, which exploded into vibrant laughter. She let go of the sleipnir’s mane and raised her arms up and out, tilting her head back to the sky like she was flying.

Her sleipnir practically smirked in triumph as it charged ahead with renewed vigor. The other riders watched them pass in pure bewilderment as they sped through the water.

They reached the dirt track again and went back to full speed. The river had been their saving grace, putting them at the head of the pack. She counted only two riders in front of them.

Which meant they were in third place.

The two riders in front gaped back at her, their astonished faces revealing they had witnessed the miracle. At least they had the decency to look worried.